Ambrey issues risk assessment following US seizure of Venezuela- and Iran-linked VLCC offshore Venezuela

Risk specialist Ambrey is urging shipping companies to conduct ‘robust affiliation checks’ and to consider ‘possible alternate/lower risk voyage plans’ following seizure by the US of a sanctioned Venezuela-Iran linked VLCC offshore Venezuela on 10 December.

The US publicised that military personnel boarded the tanker from a helicopter, and has said that this is just the beginning of a campaign to target so-called dark or shadow fleet vessels carrying sanctioned oil.

Ambrey assesses it highly likely that the US will continue to target vessels with a similar nexus, and that, given US sanctions on Venezuela, this could extend.

The risk specialist deems it possible that Iran will retaliate for the seizure, with US-affiliated shipping in the Arabian/Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman assessed to be at heightened risk, particularly laden crude oil tankers.

There is a lower likelihood that Venezuela will retaliate given the risks involved, feels Ambrey, but cautions that it may be advisable for companies/ships bearing a US-affiliation to “evaluate available risk treatment options.”